By Jen Akins, Athletics Dept. Intern
Westfield State swimming and diving coach Dave Laing.
The closing of the Campus Center pool has created a struggle for the Westfield State College swimming and diving team.
The pool closing is because of the new federal law - Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act - that took effect earlier this year. The law calls for pools to meet specific standards for the installation of drain covers.
Westfield State’s pool does not meet these standards, and the L-shaped drain covers it needs are not available yet, making it even more frustrating in the efforts to re-open the pool.
The swimming and diving squad can no longer access the pool for practices and meets that have been conducted there for nearly three decades. One of the team’s main challenges is not being able to practice together. The six divers have to make the trek to Springfield College to use its diving boards, while the rest of the team uses the pools at Westfield High School, the Westfield Boy and Girls Club, and the local YMCA.
“I don’t get to see my entire team until game day,” said Westfield State veteran head coach Dave Laing. “I would love to be able to practice again with everyone.” Laing also mentioned that the three facilities have been more than generous in helping with their tough situation.
A recent positive light was the team’s annual trip to Florida for training over the semester break. Seventeen of the 31 team members participated in the Florida workouts. The trip was not all sun and beach, but a series of vigorous practices to ensure the team stays in shape over the winter break.
Senior breaststroker Aimee Raposo said the Florida trip was “a good opportunity for the team to bond together, which is something the team needs right now.”
When Laing was asked who his standouts are, he responded humbly, “all of them.” He added that they work hard together and encourage one another.
Senior captain Cairsten Beanland said: “We all bring different aspects to the team. We each have our own strengths. There is a lot of depth on the team and everyone is a team player.”
The NCAA Division III national championships are in the sight for freshman diver Kimi Schimdt. Schimdt is one score away from qualifying for nationals in the one-meter diving. And even if a diver meets the qualifying scores, a national board still has to review videos of her qualifying meets to make the final decision. If Schimdt does make nationals, it will be the first time in 18 years that a Westfield State athlete has qualified.
Overall, the season has been “so far so good”, according to Laing. The swimmers have been doing an excellent job at trying to adapt to the changes that have disrupted their practice routines.
“It’s a struggle but we’re hanging on,” said senior captain Kelly Johnson.
The team again has high hopes of performing well at the New England championships. The Owls hope to equal or better their fifth-place finish in the 2008 New England finals and fourth place in 2007.
“Our goals our to beat our times from last year and to do just our best,” said Beanland.
The future of the pool has still not been determined, but hopefully by next season it will be in use again. The team is looking forward to hosting its final home meet at Westfield High School on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The annual Senior Night ceremony will take place prior to the meet vs. Regis College.